Short bowel syndrome

Definition

Short bowel syndrome is a condition that occurs when part of the small intestine is missing or has been removed during surgery. Nutrients are not properly absorbed into the body (malabsorption) as a result.

Alternative Names

Small intestine insufficiency

Causes

When part of the small intestine is missing, there may not be enough surface area in the bowel to absorb enough nutrients from food. The this can happen when half or more of the bowel is removed during surgery or sections are missing due to a birth defect (congenital defect),